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MHD Nokia Xpressmusic campaign concludes with Prize giving ceremony   

-1  Sep 2009



Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC have been the leading distributor of Nokia Mobile Phones and original Nokia accessories in Oman for over a decade and during this period it has spread its network of branches across Oman and currently has retail outlets in all major cities like Salalah, Sur, Sohar & Nizwa apart from 5 retail outlets in Muscat.

As part of its endeavors to provide more content and excitement to its loyal customers, the company recently ran a special Nokia Xpressmusic promotion at all Nokia outlets of MHD LLC. All customers buying Nokia 5800, 5630, 5130, 5310 & 5610 models were entitled to participate in the campaign. Each Nokia XpressMusic device shares key features that ensure the best mobile music experience, including dedicated music key(s).

The MHD - Nokia team was present while giving away the award. Mr. Manmohan Singh Rehsi, General Manager, MHD LLC handed over the mega prize comprising of a Bose Music system to the lucky winner - Mr. A.K.Nasser. A large number of customers also won scratch & win prizes comprising of original Nokia accessories during this promotion. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Rehsi said, “Every transaction with MHD – NOKIA is not just a purchase but it’s the beginning of a relationship, wherein we ensure that the customer not only gets the best product but also services of the highest standard and quality. The MHD – Nokia team is totally focused in providing our customers value for money.”

The division also represents leading Office Automation brands like Hitachi, Konica Minolta, Oce & Riso along with Boss Design, Godrej, Intersit, Lees Carpet in the Office Furniture segments in the Sultanate of Oman.


Volvo's three-point safety belt turns 50   

-26  Aug 2009



The world's first Volvo car with standard-fit three-point safety belts was delivered to the Volvo dealer in Sweden on August 13 1959.

Feed out, stretch, click and pull taut. A simple movement of the hand and the belt is in place - at the same time the risk of fatality or serious injury in a collision is cut by more than 50 percent. Volvo’s three-point safety seatbelt turned 50 on August 13, 2009.

To this day, the three-point safety belt remains the car's single most important safety feature. It is the most widely used and most significant safety innovation in the automobile's history.

The early days:

It is the belt that links together man and car. It is the belt that restrains the car's occupants in an impact. At the same time, the occupants are held in place in the car and do not risk being thrown around inside the passenger compartment or hurled out of the vehicle in more complex accident scenarios.

It was only towards the end of the 1950s that the car safety belt evolved into its current design, thanks to Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin.

There were different types of belt before that. Back in the 1930s, US doctors were beginning to impose demands that cars should be equipped with safety belts. The two-point lap belt was the most common solution, but there were also different variants of the three-point safety belt. The problem was that they did not protect their users sufficiently, especially not at high speeds. Former aviation engineer Nils Bohlin -who before moving to Volvo worked on the development of catapult seats, among other things - understood early on the forces generated in a collision.


An innovation for the world to use freely:

The most important properties of Nils Bohlin's design were that the system consisted of a lap belt and a diagonal body belt, that the belt straps were anchored at a low attachment point beside the seat, that the belt geometry formed a "V" shape with the point directed toward the floor, and that the belt stayed in position and did not move under load. The very same principles apply to this day - every time you use the safety seat belt.

In the Nordic market, the Volvo PV544 and Volvo Amazon (120) were the first cars to feature this world innovation. Volvo was thus the first car maker to equip its cars as standard with three-point safety belts. The invention was patented with what is known as an open patent that is to say anyone who wanted was granted free use of the design.

A giant step towards increased safety had now been taken, but the three-point safety belt still did not achieve an immediate breakthrough. It would take another few years before the vast majority of customers and the rest of the automobile industry realized the safety belt's effectiveness as a lifesaver.

The three-point safety belt has now been saving lives for 50 years. There are no exact figures for how many lives the safety belt has saved as there are no traffic safety statistics globally coordinated. However, it is estimated that more than a million people were saved by the safety belt, and it has saved many times that number of people from serious injuries.

As one of the leading car manufacturers in the field of road safety, Volvo gave to the world one of the most important safety innovations which is the 3 point seatbelt. Volvo will pursue its research in the world of road and car safety in order to create a safer road environment for all motorists and passengers.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC is the sole importer for Volvo Cars in the Sultanate of Oman with showrooms at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah..More details on the Volvo range can be obtained from www.mhdoman.com/volvo


THE NEW JAGUAR XFR-Stunning Design Outstanding Performance   

-13  Aug 2009



The new Jaguar XFR sedan is so powerful that, slightly modified to improve aerodynamics, it reached 225.675 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. That makes the 2010 XFR the fastest production Jaguar in history, surpassing even the exotic XJ220 mid-engine supercar, named in the early 1990s for its target top speed.

The XFR is the ultra-high performance version of Jaguar's standard XF sedan, which was widely greeted as the best all-new Jaguar in years when it debuted in 2008.

The XFR is powered by a new AJ-V8 Gen III engine displacing 5.0 liters. Jaguar's AJ-V8 Gen III engine employs a host of updated technologies to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions, including high-pressure direct fuel injection. In the 2010 XFR, the 5.0-liter V8 is also supercharged, generating an impressive 510 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The XF's standard six-speed automatic transmission, one of the best currently available in luxury sedans, is beefed up to handle the XFR's mega-torque. It's also tuned for sportier shift response, and equipped with steering-wheel levers for manual shifting. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential completes the XFR's power-delivery package.

The results, according to Jaguar, are impressive. The XFR will travel from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds. To amp up the aural sensations, Jaguar has piped more V-8 growl into the cabin. Pulsations and sound are fed into an acoustic filter that tunes the note and ducts it into the interior. To further complement this sensation the XFR is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins 440W surround sound system.

The XFR suspension is tuned for sharper handling than that of other XF models, with rock-solid high-speed stability. Yet thanks to Jaguar's new Adaptive Dynamics suspension system, which features more computing power and considerably quicker response time, ride quality will not be affected. The XFR comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels sporting "Jaguar Supercharged" around the centers and performance tires.

As you might anticipate, the XFR is styled to look more blatantly racy than the other XFs. Changes include hood louvers, door-sill extensions, twin-dual tailpipe outlets and a trunk-lid spoiler. Yet the R's most visible distinction is its bolder, heavier chrome mesh grille.

Inside, the XFR comes standard with heavily bolstered sport seats that are adjustable 18 ways and embossed with an R logo. From the finest soft grain leathers with twin-needle contrast stitching to the hand-crafted wood or aluminium veneers, from the precision-made Jaguardrive selector™ that controls the automatic transmission to the crystal-clear 7-inch touch screen – the XFR combines luxurious finishes with technical excellence and flawless ergonomics. New safety features include a radar-based Blind Spot Monitor and a back-up camera with guidance lines which are available as a standard feature on the XFR.

Jaguar Cars are represented in Oman by Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. The new 2010 XFR is now available in their Azaiba showroom. Customers are welcome to visit and preview this exciting new vehicle. Further details can also be availed on 24523200

Jaguar ranks second and Land Rover ranks ninth among nameplates in J.D. Power and associates 2009 automotive performance, execution and layout (apeal) study  

-29 July 2009



Jaguar Ranks 2nd, Improving 15 Points; While Land Rover Ranks 9th, Improving Four Points In A Study That Measures Customers' Delight With The Design, Content And Layout Of Their Vehicles

According to J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today, Jaguar ranks 2nd out of 37 brands with an overall score of 859, improving 15 points from 2008; while Land Rover ranks 9th with a score of 822, improving four points from 2008. The APEAL study examines the critical design and performance characteristics that make a new vehicle a delight to own and drive, and is based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes.
"We are pleased with our vehicle performance rankings," says Gary Temple, President of Jaguar Land Rover North America. "Having two brands rank in the top 10 underscores our commitment to providing our customers with industry-leading performance vehicles that offer luxury, performance and first-rate quality."

With a combination of advanced technologies, new engines, performance enhancements and sleek and stylish revamped interiors, both brands' product lineups are further improved for the 2010 model year.

This year, Jaguar surpasses the industry average of 779 by 80 points. It is the second consecutive year that Jaguar takes 2nd place with the brand's overall APEAL score increasing from 844 in 2008, 841 in 2007 and 820 in 2006.

In its launch year, the Jaguar XF ranks 2nd among vehicles in the Midsize Premium Car segment with a score of 859; 21 points higher than the premium segment average, and receives high scores in the engine/transmission category, particularly for passing power at highway speeds.
With an overall score of 822, Land Rover improves its ranking position by one, from 10th to 9th place, in this year's study – an improvement of 4 index points over last year, scoring 43 points above the industry average. This is the 3rd consecutive year of score improvements for Land Rover, having scored 818 in 2008 and 816 in 2007.

In 2009, the APEAL score for all-new and redesigned models averages 790 on a 1,000-point scale—11 points higher than in 2008 and 15 points higher than the 2009 score for carryover models. The APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes. The 2009 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2009 from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC are the sole importers for Jaguar & Land Rover in the Sultanate of Oman. More details on the Jaguar & Land Rover vehicle range can be obtained on 24523200

MHD Automotive Parts & Service Staff Excel at Training Programme  

-27 July 2009



A six member team of employees from the Parts & Service departments of MHD LLC Automotive Division have excelled themselves at a recent training programme organized by Jaguar & Land Rover for personnel of all dealerships across the GCC.

The MHD LLC team comprising of both Omani & expatriate personnel was given training on various facets of Service & Parts functions relating to the Jaguar & Land Rover brands. The training forms part of the initiatives undertaken by the manufacturers & the dealerships in providing all the learning tools to the employees to enable them to provide the best service to their customers.


The certificates were given away to the employees by Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive MHD LLC. Commenting on their performance Mr. David Aziz said, “The results of this training programme are evident of the hard work being put in by our employees & I would definitely encourage the other team members to also learn the latest skills & stay ahead of the competition.” Mr. Robert Hales, Manager, Automotive Service Division was also present during the certificate presentation ceremony.


Jaguar XF Tops UK's Biggest Driver Satisfaction Poll  

-20 May 2009



Readers of Auto Express magazine have voted the new Jaguar XF Britain's best car in the 2009 Driver Power survey.

The results revealed that the XF secured the overall number one spot with drivers praising the Jaguar's combination of luxury, comfort and driving dynamics.

Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's Managing Director, said: "Securing top place in the UK motoring community's top driver satisfaction poll is an excellent result. This reflects our continuing commitment to produce a consistent high quality driving and ownership experience for all of our customers."

The Auto Express survey questioned driver satisfaction in a host of key areas – including reliability and build quality, cost of ownership and running costs, as well as performance, ride and handling. Questions also focussed on a vehicle's practicality, comfort and ease of driving.

The XF, which was launched in March 2008, scored an impressive score of 91.18 per cent.

David Johns, Editor of Auto Express, said: "As the reigning Auto Express car of the year, Jaguar's XF executive saloon is a triumph. Drivers think so too, giving the sumptuous four-door higher scores than any other car in the UK."

The XF range has just been updated in the UK with an all-new high performance XFR model featuring a supercharged 5.0-litre engine.

This isn't the first time this year that Jaguar has been recognised for its improving quality and driver satisfaction. In March Jaguar was recognised for its industry-leading overall long-term quality in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability (VDS) Study in the US.

The complete Jaguar range is available at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole Jaguar importer in the Sultanate of Oman. More details can be obtained by visiting their showrooms at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar or Salalah or by calling them on 24523200.


Jaguar Cars recognised for exceptional dependability by J.D. Power and Associates
-31 March 2009


  • Jaguar ties as the highest ranking nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability (VDS) StudySM
  • Third recent honour for Jaguar's commitment to satisfying customers with high quality and exceptional service
  • Dependability now a hallmark of the new Jaguar

Coventry, UK. March 19, 2009 – The Jaguar line-up of beautiful, fast cars was recognised for its industry-leading overall long-term quality in J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability (VDS) StudySM, released today.  This recognition of Jaguar's dependability and customer satisfaction is the third of its kind in the past year, demonstrating the impact of the company's commitment to produce the finest cars in the world, both in terms of the driving and ownership experience.

Jaguar's recent quality and customer service achievements:

  • Jaguar ties as the highest ranking nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability (VDS) StudySM
  • Jaguar was number one in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) StudySM
  • Jaguar was the top automotive brand in BusinessWeek's list of "Customer Service Champs"

"Ranking top in the United States' leading survey on vehicle dependability is recognition that Jaguar not only makes the most desirable cars, but now, the most dependable too," commented Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar Managing Director.

"And quality and reliability are only a part of Jaguar's new success," he continued. "Just this year we've introduced two outstanding new engine series that set the standard for performance, fuel economy and emissions, while our new super high-performance models, the XFR and XKR, are getting excellent reviews from the world's motoring writers."

"Stand-out design, stunning performance and superb dependability - This Is The New Jaguar!" concluded O'Driscoll.

Gary Temple, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America added, "High quality is an essential element of the brand's promise to its customers and we are pleased to have our achievements recognized for the third time in the past year.  Jaguar customers commit to the brand because they desire a distinctive premium car, and they stay with the brand because the product and the dealership experience surpass their expectations for a luxury vehicle."

Jaguar Momentum
Jaguar finished 2008 with global sales of more than 65,000 cars – an increase of 8% over 2007 and one of only a handful of automotive brands to report a year-on-year sales increase. At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2009, Jaguar officially unveiled the new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engine, the new XFR and the next generation XKR Coupe and Convertible, all available in 2010 Model Year.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III and supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R petrol engines continue to build on Jaguar's legendary performance and deliver Jaguar's most efficient & most powerful V8 engines ever – they optimize power and efficiency to create fully competitive fuel economy and CO2 overall. 

The complete Jaguar range is available at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole Jaguar importer in the Sultanate of Oman. More details can be obtained by visiting their showrooms at Azaiba, Sohar or Salalah or by calling them on 24523200.

New Look MHD Nokia Showroom launched at Muscat City Centre 

-22 Mar 2009



The Computers, Office Automation and Telecommunications Division of MHD LLC has launched the all new MHD Nokia showroom at the Muscat City Centre under the gracious presence of Mr. Mohsin Haider Darwish, Chairman of MHD LLC. Strategically located opposite the Carrefour hypermarket the new MHD Nokia showroom has a very dynamic design which highlights Nokia’s promise to connect people in new & better ways. Nokia’s strategy is to build trusted consumer relationships by offering compelling and valued consumer solutions that combine beautiful and technologically advanced devices with context enriched services.

The new showroom showcases the entire Nokia range of mobile phones/ accessories etc in a very customer friendly manner wherein the product & its features/ specifications/ price etc are clearly laid out. The showroom is manned by a team of Omani sales staff who have been given extensive training on the Nokia product range as well as sales techniques to provide comprehensive service to customers.

Two channel partners M/s Dhawahi Al Karah Trading & M/s Gulf Telecommunications (fono) were also awarded for outstanding sales performance during the launch ceremony. They qualified and won the Dealer Incentive scheme for their sales personnel who achieved their sales target.Mr. Mohsin Haider Darwish gave away the awards to the representatives from the two outlets.

MHD COAT is a leading distributor for Nokia in the country with an exclusive outlet each at the Muscat & Qurum City Centers. The company also operates seven MHD Nokia outlets at various locations in Muscat & surrounding cities along with an extensive dealer network spread across the Sultanate of Oman.

MHD LLC offers its customers value for money and guarantee of its high quality products, services and solutions. It has a country wide network of qualified service engineers who provide efficient and personalized service to customers resulting in a nation wide set of satisfied customers. All Nokia products sold by MHD LLC carry a 2 year warranty.

MHD LLC constantly endeavors to upgrade its products and services in order to deliver value to its customers, whilst keeping its competitive edge in the market.

 

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC awarded by Jaguar Middle East and North Africa

-24 Feb 2009



- Importer achieves record breaking sales increase in 2008

Jaguar recently acknowledged Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD), its exclusive importer in Oman, for a record breaker performance in 2008 with an award conferred during the bi-annual regional dealer meeting held in Dubai, UAE.

MHD LLC has achieved a 31% increase in 2008 sales as compared to 2007 – the highest in the market to date. The runaway success of the all-new, award-winning Jaguar XF that was launched early last year was a major contributor to this performance. 

Commenting on the success, David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC said, “This accolade is a matter of great pride for all of us at MHD LLC. The results are recognition of the fact that customers are demanding more of the unique style, luxury and performance offered by Jaguar cars. These factors, coupled with our state-of-art showrooms and strong emphasis on after-sales service, have resulted in this achievement.”

Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Middle East and North Africa, said, “We congratulate MHD LLC on this remarkable performance and their commitment to the Jaguar brand. These results clearly highlight that more and more customers are enjoying Jaguar’s current product portfolio of beautiful, fast cars.  It is an asset to have a very successful and capable partner like MHD LLC by our side to tackle the challenges that 2009 brings.”

The Jaguar XF is available from RO. 19,950 onwards with an offer which includes Free Service for 5 Years/ 80,000 Kms & Free registration at all showrooms of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. More details can be obtained by calling them on 24523200.

 
Volvo XC60 launched in Oman

-16 Feb 2009

Safe, stunning and smart – the new Volvo XC60 has what the crossover customer dreams about


With the launch of the XC60 in Oman Volvo has stepped boldly into what is currently the automotive world’s fastest-growing segment. The Volvo XC60 is equally at home everywhere whether on road in an urbane location or off road in a trip communing with nature. The cutting edge safety and Scandinavian design help you make the best of all terrains- from here to what’s beyond.

“This is not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning.  Not a bad combination is it?” says President Volvo Cars Overseas Corporation (VCOC), former Vice President Product and Strategy, Mr. Lex Kerssemakers. “We are delighted to introduce the new XC60 to the GCC market. The XC60 crossover had its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva in March 2008, with the first cars reaching dealers in Europe in autumn 2008. Now the Middle East has been introduced to this vehicle and we are very much looking forward to the feedback. ”

The “Small Premium Utility” segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least ten crossover models to choose between. By the beginning of 2009, this segment was expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars.

“In order to succeed in that kind of competition, you have to stick your chin out and create a car that stands out from the crowd. The new XC60 bases its unique appeal on the synthesis between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents,” explains Lex Kerssemakers.

The big safety news is City Safety – a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director for Volvo Cars Middle East said; “We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision.”

3.0 Litre six-cylinder turbo
The new XC60 will initially be available with the six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower. The highly efficient 3.0 litre six- cylinder petrol engine is linked to an intelligent all-wheel drive system that continuously ensures power goes to the wheels with the best traction.

“Owing to its compact dimensions – the XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90 – it continues our range of slimmed-down car models with high energy efficiency.” reveals Tomas Ernberg.

The chassis setting is aggressively sporty without losing anything in terms of comfort. Sitting behind the wheel of the new XC60 is in other words more of a driving experience, while the larger Volvo XC90 focuses more on providing a ride experience.

Target group with high demands on technology
The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

Tongue in cheek, one might say that it’s all about consumers who’ve grown up with the microchip as a natural supplement to their breakfast cereal. They’re used to the immensely fast pace of development in the world of electronics – and every succeeding birthday has brought with it increased capacity in ever-shrinking gift packages.

When it comes to the choice of car, these consumers adopt the same view as they do for other lifecycle products, that is to say all the properties should preferably be integrated into one single attractive and intelligent package.

“One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. An all-round car for the person who lives single in the city and for the young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure,” relates Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager Volvo Cars Middle East.

She adds: “We’re aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age. With the XC60 we are broadening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle. Like the Volvo C30, the XC60 plays an important role in our planned volume expansion strategy.”

MHD LLC launches XC60 with exciting offers

In Oman the Volvo XC60 has been launched along with an introductory offer of a free 3 year/ 30,000 KM service package along with free registration.  The cars will also be treated with the Diamondbrite paint protection process.  These offers will be available on all XC60 cars sold from the beginning of February until April end 2009.

Speaking during the press conference David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC said, “2008 was a very exciting year for us with an excellent performance by our Volvo sales & service teams. We are now well prepared to take the results still higher with this exciting new product from Volvo. We are sure that the new features including city safety will be well received by our customers”.

David Aziz added: “The special offers lined up by us will provide total peace of mind to all our XC60 customers. The service package will add further value to the Volvo XC60 ownership experience. MHD LLC is committed to providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction”

The cost of the XC60 starts at RO. 13,995 and is now available across the Sultanate of Oman.

For more information please visit www.volvocars.com/ae 

MHD Volvo achieves highest growth in the GCC

-16 Feb 2009


(From left to right) Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo Cars Middle East presenting the trophy to David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC.

MHD LLC’s Automotive Division has excelled itself in the 2008 sales performance & the mystery shopping exercise conducted by Volvo Cars Middle East. The company was acclaimed for its performance during a Volvo conference in Singapore where Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo Cars Middle East presented a trophy to David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC.

The Automotive Division has scored the highest growth in Volvo sales during the year 2008 with a growth of almost 42% over the previous year. Excellent performance was witnessed in all the segments covered by the Volvo car range including coupe/ convertibles, sedans & cross country/ SUV models.

The mystery shoppers were selected & sent out by Volvo Cars Middle East to all the Volvo car importers in the GCC region. The mystery shoppers were briefed to evaluate the importers on important parameters including Overall Results- Sales, Meet & Greet, Qualifying potential customers, Product Presentation, Vehicle demonstration, Offer, Closing & follow up in the Sales process. In aftersales the importers were judged on various criteria including Customer service, Appointment, Reception, Workshop performance, Delivery & invoicing. The division has outperformed all the other importers in the GCC region with almost a 100% score in most aspects of the sales & aftersales process.

Commenting on the sales performance & the mystery shopping results, Mr. David Aziz- Director Automotive MHD LLC said: “The sales results have proved that we are on the right track and our performance will accelerate further with the launch of the XC60 during 2009.”

He further added, “The mystery shopping results have also established out total professionalism in dealing with all customers walking into our sales & service counters. Each visitor is met with courtesy & a total commitment towards delivering the best customer experience.”

The Volvo car product range encompasses a wide selection of models starting from the saloon cars like the S40, S80, the C70 convertible, C30 hatchback & the XC90 SUV. February will also see the arrival of the all new XC60 crossover which will have maximum appeal for the young trendsetters.

More details on the Volvo range of cars can be obtained from the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive toll free number 800-74747 is also available for Volvo customers in the Sultanate of Oman.


MHD Land Rover Organises Ride & Drive Programme

-16 Feb 2009



The Automotive Division of MHD LLC which is the sole importer of the Land Rover vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman recently conducted a Ride & Drive Programme at Boushar sands. Statistics say that more than 75% of the 4 wheel drive vehicles are not used off road by their owners. Hence an event was organized to familiarize Land Rover customers & prospects with the capabilities of the Land Rover vehicles both on road & off road.

All the invitees were welcomed at the Land Rover showroom in Azaiba & after a complete tour of the premises were guided to pre-scouted tracks in Boushar sands. What followed was an entire morning of adventure & fun amongst the Boushar Sand dunes. With more than a dozen Land Rover vehicles, comprising of LR3, LR2 & Defender models in attendance, all the participants were kept quite busy attempting the up hill & down hill gradients. The sales & service teams from MHD LLC were in attendance to provide any tips on the vehicles & driving skills to all the drivers.

The convoy like movement of the Land Rover vehicles both on road & at Boushar sands attracted the attention of the residents of Muscat city. The programme was much appreciated by all the participants in the programme. MHD LLC also gave away mementoes to all the invitees with two lucky participants receiving gift hampers of Land Rover merchandise.
 

The 20 Most Powerful Women In Corporate Oman
-8 November 2008 

OER

In the Oman Economic Review magazine published during October 2008, Mrs. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish and Mrs. Areej Mohsin Darwish figure in the  20 most powerful women in corporate Oman.

Dynamo personified

Lujaina Mohsin Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD LLC

Mrs Lujaina Mohsin Darwish
Because a write up on her achievements runs into numerous pages – from SQU lecturer to Majlis as Shura member to being voted as one among the 50 most powerful women in the region year after year by Forbes Arabia, Lujaina has seen it all and done it all. At MHD as the head of the Human Resources Omanisation and Training (HROT) department she has built up a well trained and equipped workforce, which has cohesively worked together, to achieve and exceed targets. Says Lujaina, “In my role as the head of the HROT department I have tried out a strategic and coherent approach to the management of our organisation’s most valued asset – our employees who individually and collectively contribute to the objectives of the business.”

Deeply held belief: Oman has traditionally been a conservative nation and women have preferred to stay at home or behind the scenes in the corporate world too. But things are different now and women are emerging as a power to reckon with in business.



The driving force

Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD LLC

Mrs Areej Mohsin DarwishBecause she looks after the automotive division of MHD which boasts of state-of-the-art brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover. As a member of the company’s corporate committee she is actively involved in developing strategies to realign the company’s business model to tap into upcoming opportunities. Says Areej, “I believe that quality after sales service is very important to retain customer loyalty and have chalked out plans towards restructuring the customer care function that would have specific action items linked to deliverables and performance indicator objectives.” A firm believer in an ‘enabling’ style of leadership she specifies her objectives to her subordinates giving them the freedom to accomplish the assigned tasks within a reasonable time frame.

Leadership principle: A leader’s obligation is to lay out clear-cut strategies and goals and to create a healthy working environment of mutual trust, respect and consideration for each other’s ideas and feelings



KDK Industrial Product Seminar 
-22 Oct 2008 



Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, along with KDK Japan, recently held an Industrial Products Seminar at the Crowne Plaza, Muscat. The Seminar attracted over a hundred participants covering Specifiers and Consultants and was graced by Mr. Yu Kai, Senior Manager, KDK Marketing Middle East Office on behalf of Matsushita Ecology System Company Ltd. and Mr. FE Edwin, General Manager and executives of MHD LLC.

The Seminar was organized to introduce KDK’s range of ceiling mounted exhaust fans, in-line duct fans and cabinet fans, which find increasing use in large commercial and high end residential apartments. KDK’s exhaust fans meet International Standards like IEC, SASO, etc., and exhibit low noise and high efficiency.

KDK, has grown from strength to strength in the Oman market, which now takes second position after Saudi Arabia in the entire Middle East. KDK who celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2009, look forward to continued support from the Oman market.


Land Rover Double At The Auto Express 2008 New Car Honours Awards 
-6 Oct 2008 



Land Rover has won two prestigious accolades in the Auto Express New Car Honours awards, beating tough competition to win Best Compact SUV and Best Premium SUV.

The Land Rover LR2 fought off the likes of the VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga in what is one of the most hotly contested sectors to win Best Compact SUV, while the LR3 beat the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes M-Class to win Best Premium SUV. 

Auto Express road test editor, Chris Thorp, said: "Here is the proof that when it comes to building compact sports utility vehicles, Land Rover cannot be matched. Not only is the LR2 as capable on the road as it is off it, the upmarket 4x4 is as refined as some of the best limousines. Generously equipped and tastefully appointed, the car offers an unrivalled blend of versatility and drivability."

On the LR3 accolade, Thorp continued: "The LR3 is the most distinctively styled and best loved premium off-roader money can buy. The seven seat interior is not just huge, but hugely adjustable. Its air suspension and terrain response allow drivers to reach all but the most inaccessible locations. As at home on the M25, as it is in the Serengeti Desert, no other car offers such wide ranging ability."

Land Rover UK's managing director, John Edwards, said: "We are absolutely delighted to win these awards from Auto Express for both the LR2 and the LR3 for the second consecutive year. Both vehicles continue to receive widespread acclaim across the board which is a testament to their design, versatility, capability and continued desirability."

Prices for the LR2 start from RO. 11,950 and for the LR3 from RO. 15,950. For more information or to book a test drive, visit the MHD LLC showrooms at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah


Jaguar XF – The Female Choice In Executive Motoring 
-6 Oct 2008 



Britain's best motoring website for women – evecars.com has named the Jaguar XF 'Best Executive Car' in its 2008 honours list.
  
The panel of women responsible for putting the XF and its competitors through their paces were, evecars.com editor Alex Jenner-Fust, Eve magazine's Rachael Ashley and Jessica Gibson, Autocar's Vicky Parrott and Eve reader Sarah Thane. Each appraised the cars using five key criteria: Comfort (driving position, space in the rear), Practicality (getting in and out, positioning a child seat), Space (boot volume and ease of loading) Parking and of course the Drive.

Commenting on the award, Alex Jenner-Fust, editor of evecars.com said: "For a car that will take you seamlessly from school gates to boardroom, look no further. The Jaguar XF combines cutting-edge technology with a classic British feel. Driving it is a real pleasure, whether you're on the school run or cruising to the south of France. The stereo system is easy to use, while the seats are so comfortable you won't want to get out."

This is the second major award the XF has received this week, having earlier been named the Auto Express 'Car of the Year' 2008. This latest accolade brings the XF's tally of awards to 17 since its global debut in Frankfurt last year. Other awards include the prestigious 'Car of the Year' title from evecars.com's sister publication What Car?.

Geoff Cousins, UK Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "The female market is incredibly important to Jaguar and it is great to see that XF really appeals to women with its combination of style and practicality."

Not only is the XF winning over motoring editors, it continues to capture the imagination of customers. And it is not only XF that continues to do well in its home market, sales for the Jaguar range in July were up 29.2% versus the same month last year.
 
The XF Highlights include the all-new JaguarDrive Selector™ and JaguarSense™ – a smart technical solution introducing touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and glovebox.

The Jaguar XF is available with three engine options 3.0 litre V6 and 4.2 litre - natural or supercharged, at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole Jaguar importer in the Sultanate of Oman. More details can be obtained by visiting their showrooms at Azaiba, Sohar or Salalah or by calling them on 24523200.


'Best Interior of the Year Award' for Jaguar XF
-23 Aug 2008 

XFInterior

WARD which is recognized as the auto industry's leading provider of news, data and analysis products has announced the 2009 Jaguar XF as the winner in the Best Premium Car Interior category.

Selected by members of the Ward's editorial staff, the Jaguar XF was evaluated over a two-month period in eight specific interior categories: material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, fit and finish, and design harmony.  Within each of these categories, the XF took top place.

“After all of the hard work from the Jaguar design team, it's really satisfying to receive this type of recognition for the Jaguar XF," said Ian Callum, Design Director for Jaguar Cars.  "The XF really represents the new design direction we are taking Jaguar and this recognition from Ward's Automotive Group underlines that what we are doing is absolutely right for the brand."

With interior design that is equal to the exterior in terms of crafted execution and visual excitement, the new XF's interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting.  Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF's interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar's intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.

The Ward's Interior of the Year awards program continues to grow in popularity and prestige among the automakers, and is the industry's only trade show and conference focused specifically on vehicle interiors.  It spotlights the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design to help suppliers respond to increasing demands and changing consumer preferences.

The Jaguar XF is available with three engine options 3.0 litre V6 and 4.2 litre - natural or supercharged, at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole Jaguar importer in the Sultanate of Oman. More details can be obtained by visiting their showrooms at Azaiba, Sohar or Salalah or by calling them on 24523200.


Catnic awards MHD – Projects & Building Materials Division
-10 Aug 2008 

Catnic - UK a subsidiary of Corus Ltd has awarded a plaque to the MHD - Projects & Building Materials Division in recognition of the Excellent Sales achieved for Plastering Accessories in Oman for the financial year April'2007 - March'2008.

MHD LLC has been representing Catnic in Oman for over 2 decades. Catnic products have been supplied to most of the prestigious projects in Oman in both Govt and Private sectors.


MHD LLC’s Automotive Division wins Volvo Award



MHD LLC’s Automotive Division has won the Volvo International Service Training Awards (VISTA). It is a competition that is open to all Volvo importers worldwide for their staff from the various departments to participate in. The competition takes place every 2 years and competitors are sent a number of question sheets that test the participant’s knowledge of the brand and process applicable to their job in the organization. MHD Volvo made a strong entry with participants from the Sales/ Parts & Service Departments. After 3 rounds of intense competition Robert Hales, Workshop Manager, MHD LLC emerged as a top performer and was invited to Dubai for the next round where he was up against a competitor who had won the award 4 times in a row earlier. After another tough round Robert Hales proved his superiority and was selected as the ‘VISTA’ award winner.

Invited to Sweden for the final leg of the competition Robert Hales received the award from Karin Falk, Vice President of the Volvo Car Corporation. Robert also took the opportunity to visit the Volvo assembly plant in Gothenburg & the engine factory at Skovde. He was also allowed to test drive a Volvo C30 T5 at speeds exceeding 235 KPH on their test tracks & emerged unscathed to tell us his experiences.

More details on the Volvo range of cars can be obtained by visiting their showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive toll free number 800-74747 is also available for Volvo customers in the Sultanate of Oman.


MHD Automotive organises Cofran customer meet



A customer meet for Cofran Lubrification customers was recently organized by the automotive division of MHD LLC at the Radisson SAS hotel. The customer meet was organized on the occasion of Cofran’s Export Area Manager, Mr. Philippe Beauduin’s visit to Oman. Mr. Beauduin made a thorough presentation on the range of Cofran products to all customers & fleet managers attending the programme. A display of Cofran Lubrification products was also set up at the venue to educate the customers on the vast range of products available from the company.

Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC started the proceeding by giving an overall introduction to the MHD LLC group and the range of products & services offered by it. A lively Q & A session after the presentation was also jointly answered by Mr. Beauduin & MHD LLC officials.

For more information on the Cofran Lubrification products please visit MHD LLC’s automotive facilities in Azaiba, Wadi kabir, Sur, Sohar and Salalah or simply call on 24523281.


MHD-Electrical & Electronics Division(EED) won the Challenger Award

Onida Challenger Award

MHD-Electrical & Electronics Division(EED) won the Challenger Award for the best growth in electrical appliances among all GCC countries, for the year 2007.  This award, instituted by ONIDA acknowledges the strength of MHD LLC in the appliances segment in Oman.  The award was received by the GM on behalf of EED
Prince of Wales marks Land Rovers's 60 th Anniversary




Land Rover welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales to the company's factory in Solihull on the 13th of May as it celebrated its 60th anniversary.

The Prince of Wales, who also celebrates his 60th birthday later this year, cut a specially designed Land Rover shaped birthday cake and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. The cake was donated to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Members of key engineering projects over the years were present as The Prince of Wales was given an overview of the manufacturing process at the plant. A number of historic and iconic Land Rovers were on show including HUE 166, the first Land Rover, and a Range Rover Classic used by the Prince himself.

The visit also enabled the Prince of Wales to get an insight into Land Rover's approach to meeting future challenges. This included an in depth look at the LRX Concept, a vehicle envisaged with 120g/km CO2 and 60 mpg capability, and an insight into the overall environmental technologies and CO2 strategy being developed to drive down emissions. Land Rover is involved in a £700m investment in sustainable technology that includes the development of hybrid technology and the use of lightweight material.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, said: "It is a great honour to play host to the Prince of Wales at such a significant milestone for the company. Land Rover has played an important role within the British car industry for 60 years and we strongly believe that it will continue to do so for many years to come."

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, LR2, LR3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to over 160 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs in the supply chain.

Land Rover also runs the world's largest consumer CO2 offset programme, balancing all manufacturing emissions and the first 45,000 miles of customer use in the UK and other European markets.

Land Rover is involved in numerous important conservation programmes worldwide, which are hugely beneficial to local communities.  Without the use of Land Rovers, some of their rescue missions or emergency operations would be impossible

Volvo 2008 Oman National Laser Champioship Organised



Henrik Norgaard new National Champion Laser Sailing
Abdulhakeem Al-Keyumi best Omani Sailor

The Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC sponsored VOLVO 2008 Oman National Championship for Lasers (one man Olympic class sailing dinghies) was sailed last weekend from the beach off the Ras al Hamra Boat Club (RAHBC). 26 Sailors competed in the event organised by the Oman Laser Association with participants from Royal Oman Navy, RAHBC, Castaways – Civil Aviation Recreation Club and one international entry from Denmark.

Henrik Norgaard came out on top with 5 points (out of 5 races with one discard), improving on his performance of 2007 (when he came 5th). Second place was for Frank van Beek (last year also no 2) only 1 point behind the leader with Douwe Sickler (last years winner) following closely as third with 12 points.

Abdulhakeem Al-Keyumi from Casteways was the best Omani sailor with a 11th place overall, an excellent performance. Abdulhakeen has improved consistently over the years finishing 3rd best Omani in 2005, 2nd in 2007 and now on the number one slot. Rashid Khalfan al Yahyai from RNO-Wudum came second this year after a first place in last year’s event. Rashid had 2 early starts which cost him dearly and pushed him back to second place. 3rd Place was for Suleiman al Waheiby a youngster taking part in the Ministry of Sports Affairs (MOSA).sailing training program. Suleiman’s performance is particularly impressive considering that he has only started sailing a few months ago. His cousin Abdullatif al Waheiby finished just behind him on a 4th place. Oman can have high sailing hopes with youngsters like these.

On Thursday the fleet of 26 boats sailed 3 races in generally light Easterly winds. The combination with a strong Westerly current made the starts particularly difficult with competitors being pushed over the start line by the current before the starting signal. Several general recalls were required. Frank won the first race with Henrik as second. They swapped positions in the second and the third race saw Frank again as number 1 with Henrik in 3rd place. The 2nd race saw Suleiman Waheiby finishing as 9th. Pretty good for such a young and novice sailor.

On Friday all participants were ready to start at midday but the wind left everyone waiting until 13.30 before sailing could start. The OOD (Officer Of the Day) wisely decided to execute all races back to back. Just before the start of the 3th race the wind died completely and everyone was send back to the beach to clean up the boats and get ready for the price ceremony. Henrik won both races with Frank in 2 & 4th respectively. A critical moment in the first race occurred at the start when the OOD identified Henrik as OCS (on the course side of the start or early start). This situation was reviewed in the protest committee and came out in Henrik’s favour: he kept his first place. A video of the start sequence also confirmed that he was in his rights.

The Prizes, kindly sponsored by VOLVO – MHD LLC, were awarded by Umesh Rao and Naresh Kadaba to all participants. Tony thanked VOLVO-MHD LLC for their sponsorship of the event. Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in its role as the Volvo importer in the Sultanate of Oman has been working to further strengthen the brand’s association with sailing by sponsoring events such as the VOLVO 2008 Oman National Championship.

Tony van Thiel (OLA Chair and event organiser) also thanked Saif Said al Shebli of the Ministry of Sports Affairs for his presence at the ceremony and expressed his hope for the Ministry to soon materialise the plans for a Youth Sailing Training Centre so that more young Omanis can enjoy this fantastic sport.

Tony finished the prize giving programme by thanking the OOD’s Fred Rourke, Dave Clark, Rob and Michiel Nieuwenhuisen and Hans de Koning for the first rate management of the races. The RAHBC sailing captain, Cees van Eden congratulated Tony with the excellent organisation of the championship.

The Laser is a small single sail boat sailed by one person. It is an Olympic class which is very popular around the world. Laser sailing is a fantastic sport which can be practiced in Oman throughout the year. In strong winds the sailing is very physical, the boat gives you a great workout. With Oman’s strong history of sailing, good winds, beautiful beaches and deep blue sea, Laser sailing has the prospective to become a true national sport with the potential of Omani participation in world class events such as the Asian and Olympic games.

Land Rover: Celebrating 60 years and going strong



60 years ago, a motoring icon made its public debut, when the original Land Rover was shown at a motor show in Amsterdam, on April 30, 1948.  The current Defender is clearly descended from that first vehicle, now known as a Series 1.  Extraordinarily, they even share a couple of original parts, an oil filler plug and a cleat for tying down the canvas roof.  But the rest of the vehicle technology has moved on considerably.

Today, Land Rover goes from strength-to-strength, with a five-model line-up headed by the Range Rover, and record global sales of over 226,000 vehicles in 2007. 

The company recently received an early birthday present, in the form of two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The first, for 'International Trade', was given in recognition of export sales of nearly £4 billion per annum to 147 countries. The second, for 'Innovation', was awarded for Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system.  At the twist of a knob, this sets up the vehicle's engine response and traction systems to maximise performance on all terrains - the electronic equivalent of having an expert instructor alongside the driver.

Around the world, Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary year throughout the summer with a series of special activities and events.

Land Rover is represented by Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in the Sultanate of Oman. More details on the Land Rover range can be obtained from the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC website www.mhdoman.com  or by visiting their showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive direct number 24523211 is also available for Land Rover customers in the Sultanate of Oman.

Land Rover celebrates production of 100,000th LR2



Employees at Land Rover’s Halewood Operations on Merseyside are celebrating after producing the 100,000th Land Rover LR2. The milestone vehicle has been built just 17 months after production started at Halewood.

LR2 was launched in late 2006 and last year was the first full year of sales. 2007 saw the all-new model prove hugely popular across the world, particularly in key markets such as the Middle East, Russia & China.

LR2 is engineered to perform in the most extreme weather conditions and, like all Land Rover products, has a true breadth of capability. This makes it perfectly suited to the Middle East market, which is one of the most diverse and challenging environments in the world

Thomas Klein, Operations Director at Halewood said: "The 100,000th LR2 is an important milestone for the plant – LR2 helped Land Rover achieve its best ever sales year in 2007 and has won several major awards in its first twelve months in the market place. LR2 is continuing to perform well in traditional Land Rover markets such as the UK but sales in areas like Middle East, Russia and China are also growing rapidly. I'd like to congratulate the Halewood workforce on this fantastic team achievement."

David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC the sole importers for Land Rover vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman added: “We are pleased by the way the Land Rover business is developing here. Oman is a very important market for Land Rover in the Middle East. The crucial selling point for LR2 is that it is the authentic compact premium 4x4 and excels off-road. At the same time, LR2 is excellent on-road and is perfectly suited to a city where its premium styling attracts a great deal of attention."

More details on the Land Rover LR2 can be obtained from the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC website www.mhdoman.com or by visiting their showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive direct number 24523211 is also available for Land Rover customers in the Sultanate of Oman.

MHD Automotive organises JMC customers meet


The JMC commercial vehicles launched by the Automotive Division of MHD LLC have achieved outstanding success. The brand has already gained support from a large numbers of satisfied users in the Sultanate of Oman. Jiangling Motor Corporation has also awarded MHD LLC for its excellent performance in the Sultanate of Oman during 2007.

JMC has been monitoring this fast expanding market continuously & a team of senior officials comprising of Mr Hu Yong, Mr. Lu Youwei & Ms. Zou Wenliang were recently in the Sultanate of Oman on a market visit. This opportunity was also utilized to organize a customer meet at MHD LLC’s JMC showroom in Darsait.

A large number of JMC customers attended the meeting to interact with the JMC officials & give their feedback on the JMC products. Mr. Raghuchandra, General Manager, Automotive Sales & Mr. Bhaskar, Astt. Manager, Commercial Vehicles Sales introduced the customers to the JMC officials.

Jiangling Motors is one of the major commercial Vehicle manufacturing groups from China. Long devoted to producing the best light commercial vehicle, it is a well known brand in China. It has over 400 diversified models of leading vehicles, including JMC Baodian, JMC Carrying, JMC Baowei and JMC Yunba. JMC has accurately grasped the market requirements to fully meet the demands of different customer groups, and has constantly developed new examples of energy-saving, practical and environment-friendly automobile products. The company also has a very strong after sales system with warranty and easy supply of spares. It commands a market share of over 8% of the total Commercial vehicles market in China. Having captured the No.1 position in Diesel Commercial vehicles export, Jiangling Motors is also No.1 in value of exports achieved.
The JMC Engine Plant, Axle Plant, Chassis Plant and other key component plants all have passed the certificate of QS9000, the highest standard quality system in the world.

The Automotive Sales Division of MHD LLC represents JMC in the Sultanate of Oman with showrooms in Darsait, Sohar, Sur & Salalah. Aftersales facilities are also available at all these locations.


  
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